Pot freesia variety named `Vapono`

ABSTRACT

A new variety of pot freesia suitable for growing indoors as a potted plant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Freesia whichoriginated by crossing two unpatented, unnamed varieties of my creationat the Van Staaveren b.v. Nursery in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands. Thefemale parent is identified as 86327-AP1 and the male parent isidentified as 87320-AP1. The varietal demoination of the new variety isVAPONO.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the features which distinguish the new variety from otherpresently available and known commercial cultivars are the followingcombination of characteristics: attractive pale yellow flowers, a habitof growth which distinguishes the new variety as a plant suitable forgrowing in pots and referred to as a pot freesia variety reflecting itsnatural dwarf characteristics without need of growth retardants, and itsability to flower independent of soil temperature up to about 23° C. inabout 65 to about 90 days.

Asexual reproduction vegetatively by corms and cormlets in Aalsmeer,Netherlands shows that the foregoing and other distinguishingcharacteristics of the new variety are transmitted through succeedinggenerations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying photograph illustrates the new variety and shows theflowering thereof from bud to full bloom depicted in color as nearlycorrect as it is possible to make in a color illustration of thischaracter. Throughout this description, color values are based upon theColour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London, England,except where common terms of color definition are employed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following description is of pot freesia plants of the new cultivargrown under glass in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, during the months of Augustand September. Phenotyphic expression may vary with environment,cultural and climatic conditions, as well as differences and conditionsin light, soil, and temperature.

PLANT

A. Form: Upright.

B. Growth:

Height attained.--Depending on temperature, about 25 cm to about 35 cmThe higher the temperature, the more leaves the plant produces and thelonger they are at higher temperatures, the more buds are produced in aspike. The lower the light intensity the longer and weaker are theleaves. Each combination of temperature and light intensity has aspecial formative influence on plant shape. Measurements given hereinwere made on plants grown initially at 12° C. and up to 24° C. atflowering time. Generally, The cooler the plants are grown, the morecompact the plants will grow and the more days that are necessarybetween planting and flowering.

Branching.--The flower stalk bears 1 or 2 short side shoots with flowerbuds.

C. Flower stem:

1. Length.--Depending on temperature, about 25 cm to about 35 cm.

2. Color.--Medium green, surface rough.

D. Foliage:

1. Size.--Length -- about 25 to about 30 cm. Width -- about 1 cm toabout 3 cm depending on temperature and light during growth.

2. Quantity.--5-8 leaves depending on growing temperature.

3. Shape of leaf.--Oblong with entire margins.

4. Texture.--Smooth.

5. Color.--Near 146A to 146B.

6. Veination.13 Freesia-like.

7. Stem color.--Near 16A.

8. Corms.--Color: White with brown scales. Size: Varying with age,circumference up to about 85 mm.

THE BUD STAGE

A. Bud form: Long ovate.

B. Bud side:

Length.--About 40 mm.

Diameter.--About 15 mm to about 20 mm.

C. Opening rate: Medium.

D. Color:

1. When petals first divide.--Near 4D with a green shade.

2. When petals begin to unfurl.--Near 4D.

3. Calyx.--Shape -- tubular. Size -- small, smooth.

THE FLOWER STAGE

A. Inflorescence:

1. Blooming habit.--Intermittent, once early.

2. Form.--Freesia-like.

3. Approximate number of flowers.--8 to 10 per spike.

4. Borne.--In a spike.

5. Size.--Diameter -- about 45 mm. Depth -- about 65 mm to about 75 mm.

6. Shape.--Cup shaped.

7. Color tonality from a distance.--Pale yellow.

8. Lasting quality (days) on plant.--About 12 to about 18 days dependingon temperature.

B. Flower color:

1. Flower coloration.--Main color of inner side of the lateral outertips, near 6D and near 23A; main color of inner side of the medium outertips, near 6D and near 23A.

2. Inner petals.--Main color of inner side lateral inner tips, near 23Aand near 6D.

3. Outer petals.--Main color of inner side of the medium inner tips near6D.

4. Discoloration as bloom ages.--Flower color darkens to light brown.

5. Petals.13 Number of petals: 6. Arrangement: Tubular, imbricated.Texture Soft. Shape 6 tips of the tube.

C. Persistence: Petals persist to about 12 to about 18 days on theplant.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

A. Stamens, filaments and anthers:

1. Stamens.--Yellow.

2. Anthers.--Color -- just before opening: white.

3. Pollen.--Yellow with white.

B. Pistils:

1. Styles.--Yellow.

2. Stigmas.--Yellow.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of pot freesia substantially asdescribed and illustrated herein.